Kanoa II Becomes Floating Art Gallery for Local Artist Eric Franke

February 19, 2019

Hawaiʻi Island artist, Eric Franke captures clean, earnest photographs of Hawaiian landscapes and uniquely expressive portraitures. A Kona native, Franke’s work is inspired by his experiences growing up in Hawaiʻi and incorporates his love of adventure and beauty into his artwork. On Friday, March 29 from 6 pm to 8 pm, Body Glove Cruises will host a floating art exhibition of Franke’s work for the Hawaiʻi Island community.

“I was thrilled when my friends at the Body Glove approached me with the idea of a floating gallery art event,” said Franke. “The Kanoa II is an impressive vessel, and staying tethered to the Kailua Pier during the event and watching the sunlight fade on Hualalai mountain will make for a lovely venue to socialize.”

Body Glove is intentionally choosing to keep the boat docked at the Kailua Pier out of concern for art lovers who may feel a little ‘queasy’ about a floating art show. Dry land will be only a few steps away! Body Glove is also concerned about the environment, which is one of the reasons Franke is excited to partner with them on this artistic endeavor.

“The Body Glove is a great company to partner with,” he said. “The company strives to minimize their impact on the resources we depend upon and love. Much of my photographic journey focuses on telling the visual narrative of how special and majestic Hawaiʻi is, especially Hawaiʻi Island. Teaming-up with a company dedicated to reducing waste and preserving the beauty makes so much sense.”

Reflecting his love for the environment, Franke is looking forward to the raffle give-away at the art event. A portion of each art sale and all raffle sales will benefit the ‘Iʻiwi Fund. The ‘Iʻiwi Fund is a Hawaiiʻ Island based fund under the umbrella of the Hawaiʻi Community Foundation. The fund exists to financially support efforts pertaining to nature, conservation, and Hawaiian culture. The raffle is $5 to enter, and Franke will be giving away a 32”x20” photographic print on aluminum of Kailua Bay, as well as a few other items.

“Every day I fall in love with Hawaiʻi a little more,” said Franke. “My challenge is to see the details of the island’s splendor as a whole, and to record them in a way people can enjoy. The event we are having is a way to display some of that work. I have over 100 different images on display, so there will plenty to experience.”

In addition to photographic artwork, musician George Wit will provide entertainment, light pupus will be provided, and drinks will be available for purchase. Come and enjoy the evening and a beautiful Kona sunset while socializing with friends and enjoying a selection of prints from Franke’s collection of work.

“I’m looking forward to a fun night of art on the boat, the beauty of Hawaiʻi, seeing old friends and meeting new ones, good music, and a reason to come together to support a cause I care about,” said Franke. “It’s going to be a terrific crowd.”